Warn Industries, Inc.
12900 S.E. Capps Road
Clackamas, OR USA 97015-8903
1-503-722-1200 FAX: 1-503-722-3000
www.warn.com
Customer Service / Service Clients: 1-800-543-9276
International Sales Support / Les Ventes internationales
Soutiennent: 1-503-722-3008
© 2011 Warn Industries, Inc.
WARN®, the WARN logo are registered trade-
marks of Warn Industries, Inc.
WARN® et le logo WARN sont des marques
déposées de Warn Industries, Inc.
MID-FRAME WINCH
WITH SYNTHETIC ROPE
INSTALLATION AND OPERATOR’S GUIDE
GUIDE D’INSTALLATION ET OPERATEUR
87970A0
ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS
WARN INDUSTRIES
1
Winch
Installation and Operator’s Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
SAFETY
Symbol Index ............................................................................................................... 2
General Safety Precautions ..................................................................................... 3-6
Safe Working Conditions ............................................................................................. 7
INSTRUCTIONS
Mounting Winch ........................................................................................................... 8
Electrical Connections ................................................................................................. 9
Operating Instructions .......................................................................................... 10-11
Installing the Rope ................................................................................................ 12-13
Rope Inspection .................................................................................................. 14-15
Warn Industries Inc.
12900 SE Capps Road
Clackamas, OR 97015
USA
Customer Service: (800) 543-WARN
(9276)
International: (503) 722-1200
Fax: (503) 722-3000
www.warn.com
Every winching situation has the potential for personal injury. In order to minimize that
risk, it is important to read this guide and The Basic Guide to Winching Techniques
carefully. Please familiarize yourself with the operation of your winch before using it, and
be constantly safety oriented. In this guide, we will set forth many of the basic rules of
safe winch operation. Please read The Basic Guide to Winching Techniques for more
information on your winch and proper rigging techniques. Remember, because every
winching situation is different, your constant good judgment and consistent focus on
safety are of great importance.
WARN® and the WARN logo are registered trademarks of Warn Industries, Inc.
© 2011 Warn Industries, Inc.
WARN INDUSTRIES
2
SYMBOL INDEX
SYMBOL EXPLANATION
Read the Instruction
Manual
Always Wear Hearing
and Eye Protection
Never Use Winch as a
Hoist
Properly Seat Load in
Throat of Hook
Wind Rope on Bottom
of Drum
Finger/Fairlead Crushing
Hazard
Hand Piercing/Cutting
Hazard
Explosion/Bursting
Hazard
Sharp Edge Hazard
SYMBOL EXPLANATION
Always Wear Leather
Gloves
Do Not Move People
Always Use Supplied
Hook Strap
Never Apply Load to
Hook Tip or Latch
Never Wind Rope Over
Top of Drum
Fairlead Pinch Point
Hot Surface Hazard
Fire and Burn Hazard
Moving Parts Hazard
WARN INDUSTRIES
3
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
As you read these instructions, you will see
WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, NOTICES and NOTES.
Each message has a specifi c purpose. WARNINGS
are safety messages that indicate a potentially
hazardous situation, which, if not avoided could result
in serious injury or death. CAUTIONS are safety
messages that indicate a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor
or moderate injury. A CAUTION may also be used
to alert against unsafe practice. CAUTIONS and
WARNINGS identify the hazard, indicate how to avoid
the hazard, and advise of the probable consequence
of not avoiding the hazard. NOTICES are messages
to avoid property damage. NOTES are additional
information to help you complete a procedure.
PLEASE WORK SAFELY!
Warnings and Cautions
WARNING
MOVING PARTS ENTANGLEMENT
HAZARD
Failure to observe these instructions could
lead to serious injury or death.
• Always ensure hook latch is closed and not
supporting load.
• Never apply load to hook tip or latch. Apply load
only to the center of hook.
• Never use a hook whose throat opening has
increased, or whose tip is bent or twisted.
• Always use a hook with a latch.
• Always ensure the operator and bystandnders are
aware of the stability of the vehicle and/or load.
• Always keep wired remote control lead and
power cord clear of the drum, rope, and rigging.
Inspect for cracks, pinches, frayed wires or loose
connections. Damaged components must be
replaced before operation.
• Always pass remote lead thru window when used
in vehicle.
WARNING
MOVING PARTS ENTANGLEMENT
HAZARD
Failure to observe these instructions could
lead to serious injury or death.
General Safety:
• Always Know Your Winch. Take time to fully read
the Instructions and/or Operations Guide, and/or
Basic Guide to Winching Techniques, in order to
understand your winch and its operations.
• Never exceed winch or winch rope rated capacity.
Double line using a snatch block to reduce winch
load.
• Always wear heavy leather gloves when handling
winch rope.
• Never use winch or winch rope for towing. Shock
loads can damage, overload and break rope.
• Never use a winch to secure a load.
• Never operate this winch when under the infl uence
of drugs, alcohol or medication.
• Never operate this winch if you are under 16 years
of age.
Installation Safety:
• Always choose a mounting location that is
suffi ciently strong to withstand the maximum pulling
capacity of your winch.
• Always use grade 5 (grade 8.8 metric) or better
hardware.
• Never weld mounting bolts.
• Always use factory approved mounting hardware,
components, and accessories.
• Never use bolts that are too long.
• Always complete the winch installation and hook
attachment before installing the wiring.
• Always keep hands clear of winch rope, hook
loop, hook and fairlead opening during installation,
operation, and when spooling in or out.
• Always position fairlead with warning readily visible
on top.
• Always prestretch rope and respool under load
before use. Tightly wound rope reduces chances of
“binding”, which can damage the rope.
WARN INDUSTRIES
4
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING
MOVING PARTS ENTANGLEMENT
HAZARD
Failure to observe these instructions could
lead to serious injury or death.
Winching Safety:
• Always inspect winch rope, hook, and slings
before operating winch. Frayed, kinked
or damaged winch rope must be replaced
immediately. Damaged components must be
replaced before operation. Protect parts from
damage.
• Always remove any element or obstacle that may
interfere with safe operation of the winch.
• Always be certain the anchor you select will
withstand the load and the strap or chain will not
slip.
• Always use supplied hook strap whenever
spooling winch rope in or out, during installation
and during operation.
• Always require operators and bystanders to be
aware of vehicle and or load.
• Always be aware of stability of vehicle and load
during winching, keep others away. Alert all
bystanders of an unstable condition.
• Always unspool as much rope as possible when
rigging. Double line or pick distant anchor point.
• Always take time to use appropriate rigging
techniques for a winch pull.
• Never touch winch rope or hook while someone
else is at the control switch or during winching
operation.
• Never engage or disengage clutch if winch is
under load, winch rope is in tension or drum is
moving.
• Never touch winch rope or hook while under
tension or under load.
• Always stand clear of winch rope and load and
keep others away while winching.
• Never use vehicle to pull load on winch rope.
Combined load or shock load can damage,
overload and break rope.
• Never wrap winch rope back onto itself. Use a
choker chain or tree trunk protector on the anchor.
WARNING
FALLING OR CRUSHING HAZARD
Failure to observe these instructions could
lead to serious injury or death.
• Always stand clear, keep hands clear, keep others
away.
• Never operate winch with less than 10 wraps of
rope around the drum. Rope could come loose
from the drum, as the rope attachment to the drum
is not designed to hold a load.
• Never use winch as a hoist or to suspend a load.
• Always be certain anchor will withstand load, use
appropriate rigging and take time to rig correctly.
• Never use winch to lift or move persons.
• Never use excessive effort to freespool winch rope.
• Always use proper posture/lifting technique or
get lifting assistance while handling and installing
product.
• Always spool the rope onto the drum in the
direction specifi ed by the winch warning label on
the winch and/or documentation. This is required
for the automatic brake (if so equipped) to function
properly.
• Always spool the winch rope onto the drum as
indicated by the drum rotation label.
WARNING
CUT AND BURN HAZARD
Failure to observe these instructions could
lead to serious injury or death.
To avoid injury to hands and fi ngers:
• Always wear heavy leather gloves when handling
winch rope.
• Always be aware of possible hot surfaces at winch
motor, drum or rope during or after winch use.
WARN INDUSTRIES
5
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING
IMPACT AND MOVING PARTS
ENTANGLEMENT HAZARD
Failure to observe these instructions could
lead to serious injury or death.
To avoid injury to hands and fi ngers:
• Always know the Working Load Limit (WLL) of your
rope.
• Never Exceed the WLL of 10,000 lbs. (4536 kg) or
shock load this rope.
• Always determine the suitability of a rope for a
specifi c application.
• Never use the included rope on a winch with a
rated line pull greater than 10,000 lbs (4536 kg).
• Never use a rope if worn, damaged, abused,
overloaded, improperly maintained or over 1 year
old.
• Never stand within the recoil (snapback) area.
• Never use rope over a rough surface without Chafe
Protection.
• Never bend rope around unprotected, sharp
corners.
• Always use WARN Hawse Fairlead P/N 87914.
• Always replace rope every 12 months with P/N
87915.
• Always replace the WARN Hawse Fairlead if
damaged or abused with P/N 87914.
• Never leave clutch disengaged when not
freespooling rope. The automatic brake will not
operate when clutch lever is in freespool.
WARNING
CHEMICAL AND FIRE HAZARD
Failure to observe these instructions could
lead to serious injury or death.
• Always remove jewelry and wear eye protection.
• Never route electrical cables across sharp edges.
• Never route electrical cables near parts that get
hot.
• Never route electrical cables through or near
moving parts.
• Always place the supplied terminal boots on
wires and terminals as directed by the installation
instructions.
• Never lean over battery while making
connections.
• Never route electrical cables over battery
terminals.
• Never short battery terminals with metal objects.
• Always verify area is clear of fuel lines, fuel tank,
brake lines, electrical wires, etc., when drilling.
• Always consult operator’s manual for proper
wiring details.
• Always insulate and protect all exposed wiring
and electrical terminals.
WARN INDUSTRIES
6
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
AVOID WINCH AND EQUIPMENT
DAMAGE
• Always avoid side pulls which can pile up rope
at one end of the drum. This can damage rope or
winch.
• Always ensure the clutch is fully engaged or
disengaged.
• Always use care to not damage the vehicle frame
when anchoring to a vehicle during a winching
operation.
• Never submerge winch in water.
• Always store the remote control in a protected,
clean, dry area.
• Always avoid continuous “Power-Out”. Heat build
up from continuous power out may damage the
rope.
• Never expose the rope to harsh detergents, fuels,
oils, or Anti-freeze.
• Always use a chafe protector on all sharp edges
to protect rope.
• Never allow the rope to contact sharp objects.
Severe damage may result.
• Always respool rope in even wraps following any
angled winching activities.
• Never “jog” rope under load. Shock loads can
momentarily exceed capacity of rope and winch.
• Never install more than 100’ of 3/8” synthetic rope.
Damage to the winch may result.
NOTICE
CAUTION
MOVING PARTS ENTANGLEMENT
HAZARD
Failure to observe these instructions could
lead to minor or moderate injury.
To avoid injury to hands or fi ngers:
• Never leave remote control where it can be
activated during free spooling, rigging, or when the
winch is not being used.
• Never leave the winch remote control plugged in
when installing, freespooling, rigging, servicing or
when the winch is not being used.
CAUTION
CUT AND BURN HAZARD
Failure to observe these instructions could
lead to minor or moderate injury.
• Never let winch rope slip through your hands.
WARN INDUSTRIES
7
SAFE WORKING CONDITIONS
WARNING
Always stand
clear, keep
hands clear,
keep others
away.
SAFE WORKING CONDITIONS
The operator should always
operate the winch from a safe
position when pulling a load. The
safe areas are: (1) Perpendicular
to the rope, (2) Inside the vehicle
with the hood up (if winch is
mounted on front of vehicle).
These safe positions will help
prevent the rope from striking the
operator if the rope fails when
under load.
Operate winch from the fully
extended remote control cord
length whenever possible. The
operator must always be at least
8 ft. (2.44 m) from the winch
while operating. This will prevent
entanglement with the fairlead and
keep the operator out of harms
way during winch load pulling.
Never work around the rope
while under load.
Sound Emissions
The winch is designed so
that the sound emissions do not
exceed 70 dBa from the operator’s
station. The operator must be
at least 8 ft. (2.44 m) from the
winch while operating. If the winch
is exceeding 70 dBa from the
operator’s station, have the winch
inspected at an authorized service
center.
Cleaning
Use low pressure water to
clean synthetic rope. Do not use
any chemicals.
Do not direct high pressure
water (pressure washers, car
washes, etc.) between the drum
support and drum f ange or clutch
lever.
Use low pressure water and a
soapy rag or sponge to clean the
winch.
Avoid using chemicals that
may damage the f nish.
Thoroughly clean salt residue
from the winch as soon as possible
to minimize corrosion.
Maintenance
Replace rope every 12 months
with WARN rope P/N 87915.
No lubrication is required for
the life of the winch unless the
winch has been submerged in
water. If this occurs, a qualif ed
service center must complete
service as soon as possible to
prevent corrosion damage. If the
control pack is submerged, it must
be replaced when the winch is
serviced.
Check battery cables and
electrical connections at 90 day
intervals to be certain they are
clean and tight at all connection
points.
Inspect the rope before and
after each winching operation.
When damaged, replace with the
size specif ed in the Replacement
Parts List, or go to the Warn
website at www.warn.com.
The rope must always spool
onto the drum as indicated by the
drum rotation decal on the winch.
WARNING
Always require
operators and
bystanders to be
aware of vehicle
and or load.
NOTICE
Never submerge
winch in water.
CAUTION
Never leave
remote control
where it can be
activated during
free spooling,
rigging, or when
the winch is not
being used.
WARN INDUSTRIES
8
MOUNTING WINCH
MOUNTING WINCH
Choose a mounting location
that is suff ciently strong enough
to withstand the loads you intend
to winch. Only the mounting
orientations shown are possible for
safe winching operation. All others
are improper and inappropriate.
The use of recommended bolt
and lock washer combinations
torqued to recommended levels will
prevent vibration during operation.
The mounting details indicate the
proper torque levels.
Remember the winch rope
must always spool onto the drum
as indicated by the drum rotation
decal.
Refer to the following
diagrams for proper mounting
orientation.
WARNING
Never use bolts
that are too long.
Mounting Details:
(1) Smooth and f at, thickness = 1/4” (6.4 mm)
(2) 3/8” (9.525 mm) lockwasher X 4
(3) 3/8-16 X 1 1/4” long, grade 5 bolt X 4
Torque 30-35 ft. lbs. (41-47Nm)
(4) 1/2-13 Locknut
(5) 1/2 Flat washer
(6) 3/8-16 Sq. nut
(7) 1/2-13x2” button head bolt
(8) Aluminum Fairlead
Control Pack Installation
Mount the control pack
according to the instructions
included in the WARN mounting
system kit. Use the bracket
included in the kit.
WARNING
Always choose
a mounting
location that is
suffi ciently strong
to withstand the
maximum pulling
capacity of your
winch.
WARNING
Always complete
the winch
installation and
attach the hook
before installing
the wiring.
Plate Thickness Bolt Length
1/4” (7 mm) 1.25” (32 mm)
3/8” (10 mm) 1.5” (40 mm)
1/2” (13 mm) 1.5” (40 mm)
WARN INDUSTRIES
9
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
Electrical Diagrams:
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
Use the included insulating
boots on exposed connections to
prevent electrical shorting. Route
battery connection cables in areas
which will not cause them to
chafe or cut through the insulation
causing a potential short circuit.
Upon completion of
installation, check winch for proper
operation.
WARNING
Never route
electrical cables
across sharp
edges.
WARNING
Never route
electrical cables
near parts that
get hot.
WARNING
Never route
electrical cables
through or near
moving parts.
WARNING
Always place
the supplied
terminal boots
on wires and
terminals as
directed by
the installation
instructions.
Battery Recommendations
A fully charged battery and
good connections are essential
to the proper operation of your
winch. The minimum requirement
for a 12 volt DC battery is 650 Cold
Cranking Amps.
WARNING
Always insulate
and protect all
exposed wiring
and electrical
terminals.
Pin # Color
1 Brown
2 White
3 Black
4 Green
5
6 Red
1
2
3
6
5
4
Black
Red
Green
Brown
White
A
F1
F2
WARN INDUSTRIES
10
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Remote Control Switch
Do not leave the remote
plugged into the winch when not in
use. Leaving the remote plugged
in, may result in a dangerous
condition and/or battery drain.
Clutch Operation
When the clutch is engaged,
the gear train is coupled to the rope
drum and power can be transferred
from the winch motor. When the
clutch is disengaged it is in the
freespool position and the gear
train and rope drum are uncoupled
allowing the drum to rotate freely.
The clutch lever, located on
the winch housing opposite the
motor, controls the clutch position.
To prevent damage, always fully
engage or fully disengage the clutch
lever.
Vertical Remote:
Disengaged:
Engaged:
WARNING
Never engage or
disengage clutch
if winch is under
load, winch rope
is in tension or
drum is moving.
Spooling Out
Freespooling is generally the
quickest and easiest way to spool
out rope. Before freespooling
rope out from the winch, power
out enough rope to remove any
tension the rope might be under.
Disengage the clutch. Then
freespool by manually spooling
out enough rope for the winching
operation. See The Basic Guide
to Winching Techniques for more
information.
Always leave at least 10
wraps of rope on the drum.
WARNING
Never operate
winch with less
than 10 wraps
of rope around
the drum. Rope
could come
loose from the
drum, as the
rope attachment
to the drum is
not designed to
hold a load.
WARNING
Always
take time to
fully understand
your winch and
the winching
operation by
reviewing The
Basic Guide
to Winching
Techniques
included with
your winch.
NOTICE
Do Not power-
out rope more
than 30 ft.
without allowing
the winch to cool
for 20 minutes
before powering
rope back in.
Instead, place
the clutch in
freespool and
pull the rope off
by hand.
IN
OUT
WARN INDUSTRIES
11
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Spooling In Under Load
Never exceed winch’s rated
line pull.
Power-in the rope evenly and
tightly on the drum. This prevents
the outer wraps from sinking into
the inner wraps, binding, and
damaging the rope.
Avoid shock loads when
spooling, by pulsing the control
switch to take up rope slack. Shock
loads can momentarily far exceed
the winch and rope ratings.
Spooling In Under No Load
Spooling with an Assistant: Have
the assistant hold the hook strap
putting as much constant tension
on the rope as possible. While
keeping tension, the assistant
should walk toward the winch while
you operate the control switch
spooling in the rope. Release
the switch when the hook is a
minimum of 6 ft. (2 m) from the
fairlead opening.
Spool in the remainder for
storage as directed below.
Spooling Alone: Arrange the rope
to be spooled so it will not kink or
tangle when spooled. Be sure any
rope on the drum is tightly and
evenly layered. Spool enough rope
to complete the next full layer on
the drum. Tighten and straighten
the layer.
Repeat process until the
hook is a
minimum of 6 ft. (2 m)
WARNING
Always keep
hands clear
of winch rope,
hook loop, hook
and fairlead
opening during
installation,
operation, and
when spooling in
or out.
WARNING
Always use
supplied hook
strap whenever
spooling winch
rope in or
out, during
installation or
operation to
avoid injury
to hands and
fi ngers.
WARNING
Always wear
heavy leather
gloves when
handling winch
rope.
WARNING
Never touch
winch rope
or hook while
someone else
is at the control
switch or
during winching
operation.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Cont.
from the fairlead opening.
Spool in the remainder for
storage as directed below.
Spooling Remainder for Storage
When the hook is within 6 ft. (2 m)
of the fairlead, disconnect the hook
from the anchor or load. Hold onto
the supplied hook strap and hold
tension on the winch rope. Slowly
power-in the winch by “pulsing”
the power-in switch on the remote
control until the hook is within 3 ft.
(1 m) of the fairlead. Stop winching
in and attach the hook to a suitable
anchor point on the vehicle.
DO NOT POWER THE HOOK
INTO THE FAIRLEAD. This could
cause damage to the fairlead. Once
the hook is suitably attached to the
vehicle, power-in the remaining
slack in the winch rope by “pulsing”
the power-in switch on the remote
control until there is minimal slack
in the winch rope.
Overloading/Overheating
This winch is rated for
intermittent duty. When the motor
approaches stall speed, very rapid
heat buildup occurs which may
cause motor damage.
Double-line rigging (see
The Basic Guide to Winching
Techniques) will reduce the
amperage draw, and reduce heat
buildup in the motor. This allows
longer continual use.
WARN INDUSTRIES
12
INSTALLING THE ROPE
WARNING
Always
prestretch rope
and respool
under load
before use.
Tightly wound
rope reduces
chances of
“binding”, which
can damage the
rope.
WARNING
Never touch
rope or hook
while someone
else is at the
control switch or
during winching
operation.
Spooling
THE FOLLOWING STEPS ARE
VERY IMPORTANT AND IF NOT
PRECISELY FOLLOWED THE
LIFE OF THE WINCH AND ROPE
MAY BE COMPROMISED.
1. Mount the Warn Aluminum
Hawse Fairlead to the winch mount
using the supplied hardware.
Always mount the fairlead with the
labels in the upright position (labels
on top and clearly visible). Insert a
7/16” x 1 1/4” bolt through each of
the two fairlead mounting holes and
through the winch mount. Place a
7/16” f at washer onto each bolt.
Install a 7/16” lock nut onto each
bolt and tighten to 35 ft. lbs.
5. Tighten the 1/4-20 button head
bolt to 8 ft. lbs. Turn the winch
clutch level to the “engaged”
position.
6. It is now necessary to spool the
remaining rope onto the winch
drum. Choose a FLAT location
that is large enough to run out the
entire length of rope. Attach the
hook end of the rope to a suitable
anchor point and back the vehicle
away from the anchor point leaving
approximately 6 ft of slack rope
lying on the ground. Before getting
out of the vehicle, set the parking
brake, place the vehicle in gear or
park and turn the vehicle off.
7. Connect the remote control to
the winch. Standing approximately
8 ft away from the winch, power in
the winch until there is 10 wraps
onto the winch drum. Disconnect
the remote control from the winch.
Hold tension on the rope with one
hand; carefully push the rope to
the side of the drum the rope is
attached to so there are no gaps
between each coil on the drum.
Be sure to check that the rope is
winding off of the bottom of the
drum, not the top, or the automatic
load holding brake will not function
properly. (If the rope is winding
off the top you have powered the
winch “out” instead of “in” on the
remote control)
8. If there is still rope laying on the
ground, back the vehicle away until
the rope is off of the ground.
9. The following steps should be
done using two people for proper
safety. If you attempt to tension
your rope alone be sure to always
engage the parking brake, place
the transmission in gear and turn
the vehicle off every time you exit
the vehicle to inspect the winch
rope. Never exit the vehicle with a
load on the winch rope. Tensioning
2. Slide the abrasion sleeve over
the rope from the end opposite the
hook. Slide the sleeve back to the
hook end of the rope.
3. Apply Lock Tite 271 or equivalent
product to the supplied 1/4”-20 x
1/2” long button head fastener.
4. Install the new synthetic rope
using the button head fastener
supplied and the machined rope
washer. Insert the synthetic rope
through the aluminum fairlead and
around the winch drum from the
bottom. Insert the button head bolt
into the machined rope washer
and place the synthetic rope on the
machined rope washer. Install the
button head bolt in the 1/4-20 hole
in the side of the winch drum. See
Figure for detail.
NOTICE
Never install
more than 100’
of 3/8” synthetic
rope. Damage to
the winch may
result.
Rope
Rope Washer
1/4-20 x 1/2”
Button Head
Bolt
WARN INDUSTRIES
13
INSTALLING THE ROPE
WARNING
Never operate
winch with less
than 10 wraps
of rope around
the drum. Rope
could come
loose from the
drum, as the
rope attachment
to the drum is
not designed to
hold a load.
the rope is critical to ensure a long
product life. Tensioning the rope
prevents the rope from sinking into
the lower layers under load.
10. Use care to evenly wrap each
layer to prevent damage to the
rope.
11. Pass the remote control through
the driver’s window for the driver of
the vehicle to operate. Instruct your
assistant to stand to the side of the
vehicle and away from the winch
rope. Your assistant should signal
you if the rope is winding correctly
by watching it move across the
fairlead as the rope is powered
in. Start the vehicle and place the
transmission in neutral. Release
the parking brake while applying
moderate brake pedal pressure.
Power the winch remote in. After
winching in for approximately 6 ft,
stop winching. Slowly let up off of
the brake pedal and then apply the
parking brake. This will ensure that
there is no load on the winch rope.
Then place the transmission in park
or gear and turn the vehicle off. Exit
the vehicle and inspect the winch
rope is being evenly wound onto
the winch drum and not sinking
into the lower layer. If the rope is
sinking, power the rope out and
repeat this step from the beginning
with more brake pedal pressure.
12. Once you are convinced the
rope is winding on the winch
properly, return to the vehicle. Pass
the remote control through the
driver’s window for the driver of the
vehicle to operate. Start the vehicle
and place the transmission in
neutral. Release the parking brake
while applying moderate brake
pedal pressure. Power the winch
INSTALLING THE ROPE Cont.
remote in. After winching in for
approximately 6 ft, stop winching.
Slowly let up off of the brake pedal
and then apply the parking brake.
This will ensure that there is no
load on the winch rope. Then place
the transmission in park or gear
and turn the vehicle off. Exit the
vehicle and inspect the winch rope
is being evenly wound onto the
winch drum and not sinking into the
lower layer. If the rope is sinking,
power the rope out and repeat this
step from the beginning with more
brake pedal pressure.
13. Repeat step 12 until the vehicle
is within 6 ft of the winch anchor.
Once within 6 ft, slowly let up off
of the brake pedal and then apply
the parking brake. This will ensure
that there is no load on the winch
rope. Then place the transmission
in park or gear and turn the vehicle
off. Exit the vehicle. Disconnect
the hook from the anchor. While
holding onto the supplied hook
strap, hold tension on the winch
rope and slowly power-in the winch
by “pulsing” the power-in on the
remote control until the hook is
within 3 ft. of the fairlead. Stop
winching in and attach the hook
to a suitable anchor point on the
vehicle. DO NOT POWER THE
HOOK INTO THE FAIRLEAD. This
would cause irreparable damage
to the fairlead. Once the hook is
suitably attached to the vehicle,
power in the remaining slack in
the winch rope by “pulsing” the
power-in on the remote until there
is minimal slack in the winch rope.
WARNING
Always spool
the rope onto
the drum in
the direction
specifi ed by the
winch warning
label on the
winch and/or
documentation.
This is required
for the automatic
brake (if so
equipped) to
function properly.
WARNING
Always use
supplied hook
strap whenever
spooling winch
rope in or
out, during
installation and
during operation.
WARN INDUSTRIES
14
ROPE INSPECTION
When rope is f rst used, the
outer f laments of the rope will
quickly fuzz up. This is the result
of these f laments breaking and
this roughened surface will actually
protect the f bers underneath.
The condition should stabilize, not
progress. If the surface roughness
increases, excessive abrasion
is taking place and strength is
being lost. Look closely at both
the inner and outer f bers. When
either is worn the rope is obviously
weakened. Open the strands and
look for powdered f ber—this is a
sign of internal wear.
Rope should be replaced when:
• Rope bulk anywhere along the
length is reduced by 10% or
more by abrasion.
• Two or more adjacent strands are
cut.
• Flat areas or lumps are found that
are not eliminated by f exing
rope.
• Excessive fused or melted f bers
are found. Any such areas will
be stiff and the rope will have
a glazed appearance.
Rope Storage and Care
To ensure safety and
performance, the inspection and
maintenance of winching rope
should be among every user’s
primary concerns.
1. Inspect your winch rope for
breaks, cuts, abrasion and melted
or fused f bers before each use.
2. Wash rope periodically to
ROPE INSPECTION
remove dirt and grit. Simply rinse
rope with a garden hose, and allow
it to air-dry.
DO NOT use solvents, bleach
or harsh detergents when washing
rope, and never apply a heat
source to speed drying.
3. Coil rope loosely, for storage,
being sure to remove any excess
twists. To maximize rope life,
always store rope line in a dark,
dry place. Before using any rope,
refer to the following guide. If
the rope is damaged, remove it
from service immediately, and
replace it with undamaged rope,
WARN P/N 87915. Broken or cut
strands reduce the rope’s strength
throughout its length — not just in
the area of damage. As a general
rule, retire your 12 strand rope
when more than 3 broken or
cut strands are visible, or if two
adjacent strands are compromised.
4. Replace your rope every 12
months with only WARN rope, P/N
87915.
Normal Wear
When small surface f bers
break on a rope, they create a
fuzzy texture. Known as “mild
abrasion,” this is considered
good wear, and will not affect the
performance of the rope. The
nubby surface actually protects the
underlying f ber from further wear.
Excessive Wear–RETIRE THE
ROPE
When f bers are melted or
fused, it is generally the result
WARNING
Never operate
winch with less
than 10 wraps
of rope around
the drum. Rope
could come loose
from the drum,
as the rope
attachment to
the drum is not
designed to hold
a load.
WARN INDUSTRIES
15
ROPE INSPECTION
WARNING
Always wear
heavy leather
gloves when
handling winch
rope.
of rope abuse. Melted or fused
polyester f bers result from bringing
the rope’s surface to a temperature
in excess of 430° F. Caused by
excessive load weights or powering
out, these damaged f bers can
compromise strength, and should
signal the rope’s retirement.
Examples:
Rope with original bulk.
Rope strand showing full volume.
Rope displaying 25% strand volume reduction
from abrasion—rope should be replaced.
Rope strand reduced by 25% abrasion—rope
should be replaced.
Rope displays two adjacent cut strands—rope
should be replaced.
Rope exhibits f ber-set from compression. A
slight sheen is visible. This is not a permanent
characteristic and can be eliminated by f exing
the rope.
Chemical Attack–RETIRE THE
ROPE (NOT ILLUSTRATED)
Localized discolorations could
potentially represent chemical
attack by anything from gear oil to
battery acid. When doubt exists,
retire the line.
ROPE INSPECTION Cont.
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